My surgery turned into my nightmare

[missy2998]

I had my surgery November 3rd. I woke up November 6th burning up with fever. Then the absolute worst pain I have ever had and I could barely breathe. My husband rushed me to the hospital and turned out I had a leak. I did everything right. I was so diligent about drinking every 15 minutes and walking every hour. The leak caused an infection and I went septic as well as having my lung collapse. My doctor took me in for emergency surgery to fix the leak. I woke up with a tube down my nose and throat that was pumping bile out of my stomach. Unfortunately, they were not able to completely inflate my lung. It will take 3 to 4 months to get the pain out of my lung and have it working correctly. I was put on TPN, feeding me through IV. I had no actual food in 25 days and nothing to drink for 15 days. I was hospitalized for 5 days then was sent home and my husband and daughter had to take care of me. I had 7 doses of medication a day ran through my iV. My husband had to give me a shot in the stomach every morning, a blood thinner. I have had several trips back to the hospital for dehydration. I was finally taken off the TPN and IV antibiotics yesterday. So, almost 3 weeks after my surgery I am just starting my liquid diet. I am finding it extremely difficult to eat or drink anything. I could only tolerate 2 ozs of protein shake and 3 ozs of chicken broth. I'm praying I get through this without any other issues.

[Sandra3]

What a terrible experience! I'm so sorry you had to go through so much pain! I hope you will feel better really soon! complications do happen unfortunately and sometimes the body will just react that way even if you didn't do anything wrong...did your surgeon do a barium test (leak test) before you left the hospital? Usually it's the day after the surgery.
Best wishes for a fast recovery. Take care.

[Dawnislas]

So sorry. Hope you heal quickly.

[Shannoll]

You poor thing. I am so sorry you had to go through this. I hope you get better really soon.

[Lisa73me]

I'm so very sorry that you had a terrible experience! How scary! I'm praying for a speedy recovery and a decrease in pain for you... Big hugs!

[lorylynch]

Sorry for your experience! prayers for a speedy recovery

[conder.sc]

Hope you feel better soon.

[BAMR]

Wow that sounds awful. hopefully you are on the road to recovery and better health. Hang in there.

[Yellow Rose]

Prayers for a speedy recovery. It'll get better!

[Gabifg]

Hi,

I also had a leak discovered 1 week after my surgery. I was rushed to the operating room to clean my abdomen and seal the leak. Needless to say, the seal failed and I continued to have a smaller leak where the other leak was. I have not had anything to eat or drink since Nov 2. I had a stent put in on Oct 22 ans removed on Nov 18th. The GI Doc said the stent didn't help at all, so there goes 1 month lost for nothing!!!! He placed 3 small tubes in place of the stent. Today is my last day of antibiotics which make me sick to my stomach bc they are so strong. I am also on TPN!!!!!

I feel your pain, frustration, sadness and anger! I just keep telling myself that this to shall pass.

[Lisa73me]

Hi,

I also had a leak discovered 1 week after my surgery. I was rushed to the operating room to clean my abdomen and seal the leak. Needless to say, the seal failed and I continued to have a smaller leak where the other leak was. I have not had anything to eat or drink since Nov 2. I had a stent put in on Oct 22 ans removed on Nov 18th. The GI Doc said the stent didn't help at all, so there goes 1 month lost for nothing!!!! He placed 3 small tubes in place of the stent. Today is my last day of antibiotics which make me sick to my stomach bc they are so strong. I am also on TPN!!!!!

I feel your pain, frustration, sadness and anger! I just keep telling myself that this to shall pass.

Oh my! Prayers and good vibes for a speedy recovery! So sorry you have having to go through all that you are! Keep the positive attitude, it will help the most! Hugs! <3

[DreamingofaHealthyLife]

Oh, wow! That's absolutely horrible and I'm so sorry. It should have been a positive start to a hard, but wonderful journey for you. I think it's fair to say that nothing you did caused the leak. It just happens sometimes, from my understanding. I wish you a speedy recovery and a quick transition to the journey you thought and hoped you'd be on.

I'm new to this forum, and, in fact, just made the decision to go for it. I've been thinking about and researching WLS for years now. It's time.

Wishing you all the best!

[Pattimelt]

Oh, I'm so, so sorry you've had to endure all that! Everyone's greatest fear! I hope you're better soon and on the mend.